drop the students

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drop the students" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is discussing the removal or dismissal of students from a class, program, or activity. Example: "Due to the lack of participation, we may have to drop the students from the course."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Measuring the temperature drop, the students started to see the test tubes as analogies for the penguins.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Marked and unmarked Koch security vehicles trailed several cars after they dropped the students off on the front lawn of Koch HQ.

Huffington Post

After dropping out, the students could not repay federally subsidized loans.

The New York Times

(All charges have been dropped against the students accused of hazing, though the charges against the fraternity still stand, according to The Washington Post).

The New York Times

Journalists have likened Tag to Narbacular Drop, the DigiPen student project that became Portal.

Wikipedia

How many shoes have to drop in the student loan crisis before Congress will finally do something to stem the flood of student debt and crack down on bad corporate actors who are profiteering off the student debt bubble?

Huffington Post

While many students, regardless of gender, drop the class, several students say that stereotypes, misconceptions, and lack of confidence cause women to drop the class in large numbers.

TechCrunch

The New Yorker, March 14 , 1959P. 35 A fond father dropped in on the students' Science Fair in the basement cafeteria of Joan of Arc Junior High School, on West 93 St.

The New Yorker

A18 WEEKEND E1-34; E35-52 EDropThenumberSchofl Applicationstudentshe number of students applying to medical schools shrunk by 25percentt in the last four years.

The New York Times

We have a high rate of illiteracy because most of the students drop school after grade seven, at the age of 14 or 15.

The Guardian

And when the students drop from exhaustion after their high-powered rendition of "The Varsity Drag," near the close of Act I, it's not just a comic flourish — the performers have earned that little break.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "drop the students", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for removal, whether it's due to academic performance, disciplinary actions, or administrative decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "drop the students" without specifying the context. Be clear whether you are referring to dropping them from a course, a list, or some other form of enrollment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drop the students" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "drop" acts as a transitive verb with "the students" as its direct object. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment as grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drop the students" is a grammatically sound and reasonably frequent expression used to denote the removal of students from a class, program, or roster. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, it's crucial to consider the context and formality level. In formal settings, alternatives such as "remove the students" or "withdraw the students" may be preferable. The phrase appears most commonly in news and media sources, as well as science-related content, indicating its broad applicability. By considering these nuances, writers can effectively use the phrase or choose the most appropriate alternative to convey their intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remove the students

Replaces "drop" with "remove", focusing on the action of taking students out of a group or list.

withdraw the students

Uses "withdraw" to suggest students are being taken out of a program or class.

exclude the students

Emphasizes the act of preventing students from participating.

dismiss the students

Suggests students are being sent away or released from a responsibility.

discharge the students

Uses "discharge" to imply a more formal removal, possibly from a duty or obligation.

expel the students

Implies a formal and often disciplinary action resulting in removal from an institution.

suspend the students

Indicates a temporary removal, often as a form of punishment.

take the students out

A more general phrase indicating students are being extracted from a situation.

eliminate the students

Suggests students are being completely removed, possibly in a metaphorical sense.

excuse the students

Indicates that students are being allowed to leave or are relieved of a requirement.

FAQs

What does "drop the students" mean in an educational context?

In an educational context, "drop the students" typically means to remove students from a class, program, or list, often due to factors like non-attendance, failing grades, or administrative reasons. It's similar to saying "remove the students" from the roster.

What are some alternative ways to say "drop the students"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "withdraw the students", "exclude the students", or "dismiss the students". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "drop the students" in formal writing?

While "drop the students" is understandable, it might be considered informal in certain contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "remove the students from the program" or "withdraw the students from the course" for greater clarity and professionalism.

How does "drop the students" differ from "fail the students"?

"Drop the students" implies removing students from a class or program, which may not necessarily be related to their academic performance. "Fail the students", on the other hand, specifically refers to students not meeting the required standards and receiving a failing grade. Dropping a student and failing a student are thus very distinct actions. Dropping may result to "remove the students" while failing result to students getting a bad grade.